America cannot afford this hate violence in our streets. This hate speech and behavior emboldens the unstable and radicals.

John Coulter

Hendersonville

Gun laws not answer

To the editor: Recently, in a gun-free Connecticut school, a deranged person shot and killed 28 people. Immediately, some politicians pushed to disarm more potential victims and create more gun-free zones. Why would anyone think that would work?

Disarming more potential victims would exacerbate the problem, and passing more gun laws would give only the illusion of action — we already have thousands of gun laws, and the Connecticut killer broke dozens of them.

The Clinton administration outlawed "assault weapons," to no effect. Cities like D.C. and Chicago have the toughest gun laws, yet have the highest murder rates. Shouldn't we look at past performance before resurrecting the same remedies? Outlawing guns completely would create a new cash cow for the mafia that would rival Prohibition. Older and physically disadvantaged people would be at the mercy of stronger attackers.

So, what's the answer? We need to reconstitute mental health care as it existed 30 years ago in order to isolate mental defectives.

Schools could allow staff and faculty to carry firearms, at least require them to pass concealed carry training annually. The fact that potential victims might be armed is a huge deterrent. Would-be killers prefer defenseless victims.

Ed Nielsen

Hendersonville

Bravo for Ward

To the editor: Kudos to professor James Ward for his timely, thoughtful, intelligent and fact-filled comments in the Dec. 27 Times-News "Be Our Guest" column.

Since I couldn't have said it better, I will close with this: Bravo! Bravo!

<p>Left promotes hate</p><p>To the editor: A couple of years back, President Obama called for civility in speech and behavior.</p><p>The week before the elections, Obama at a campaign rally called on America to vote vengeance. Just over 50 percent did.</p><p>At the capital in Michigan, Obama got his wish. leftists, unions and Socialists took to the streets and beat up a reporter who asked why they opposed Right to Work laws in the state.</p><p>We saw the same violence in the capital in Wisconsin with the Leftists, unions and Socialists endangering the safety of the governor.</p><p>Have we not seen this all play out in the streets of Athens, Greece, by leftists, unions and Socialists?</p><p>Mitt Romney called on America to vote love of country. Just under 50 percent did .</p><p>At the tea party rallies two years ago, no violence was reported. They cleaned up the rally site before leaving.</p><p>Mr. President, leftists, unions and Socialists, America cannot afford this hate speech toward those who disagree with your policies.</p><p>America cannot afford this hate violence in our streets. This hate speech and behavior emboldens the unstable and radicals.</p><p>John Coulter</p><p>Hendersonville</p><p>Gun laws not answer</p><p>To the editor: Recently, in a gun-free Connecticut school, a deranged person shot and killed 28 people. Immediately, some politicians pushed to disarm more potential victims and create more gun-free zones. Why would anyone think that would work?</p><p>Disarming more potential victims would exacerbate the problem, and passing more gun laws would give only the illusion of action — we already have thousands of gun laws, and the Connecticut killer broke dozens of them.</p><p>The Clinton administration outlawed "assault weapons," to no effect. Cities like D.C. and Chicago have the toughest gun laws, yet have the highest murder rates. Shouldn't we look at past performance before resurrecting the same remedies? Outlawing guns completely would create a new cash cow for the mafia that would rival Prohibition. Older and physically disadvantaged people would be at the mercy of stronger attackers.</p><p>So, what's the answer? We need to reconstitute mental health care as it existed 30 years ago in order to isolate mental defectives. </p><p>Schools could allow staff and faculty to carry firearms, at least require them to pass concealed carry training annually. The fact that potential victims might be armed is a huge deterrent. Would-be killers prefer defenseless victims.</p><p>Ed Nielsen</p><p>Hendersonville</p><p>Bravo for Ward</p><p>To the editor: Kudos to professor James Ward for his timely, thoughtful, intelligent and fact-filled comments in the Dec. 27 Times-News "Be Our Guest" column.</p><p>Since I couldn't have said it better, I will close with this: Bravo! Bravo!</p><p>Neb Conner</p><p>Tryon</p>